The Minister for Energy and Resources has issued draft renewable energy zone orders for five onshore renewable energy zones – the Western, Central Highlands, Gippsland, North West and South West zones. The minister has also issued a draft order for the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone, which is designed to coordinate the private underground cables that connect offshore wind generation to the shared network.
Consultation is now open on the draft orders until 22 February 2026, offering another chance for people to provide feedback to help shape development of renewable energy zones.
A lot of consultation and technical work has gone into developing the zones, and VicGrid has been listening and responding to the input from communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and industry. We are now seeking any significant new information about sensitive areas, potential impacts or areas that are suitable for development that wasn’t identified in previous rounds of consultation.
Each draft order sets out a map of the zone, transmission projects to enable the zone, and the intended hosting capacity that the planned transmission network could support in the zone. The orders make it a requirement that solar, wind and battery developers meet government expectations for community engagement and deliver social value and economic benefits.
VicGrid Chief Executive Alistair Parker said coordinating development in renewable energy zones would give communities and industry greater certainty, minimise impacts and keep down costs.
“Coal-fired power stations are becoming unreliable and closing down and the cheapest option to replace them is solar and wind generation backed by storage and transmission infrastructure,” he said.
“This is a big change that has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for regional and rural Victoria if it’s well managed and planned.”
“Renewable energy zones will play a key role in helping us coordinate the energy transition and ensure that local communities see real benefits and are treated with respect.”
All of the feedback received on the draft orders will be reviewed and relevant new information will be incorporated to help define zone boundaries or other aspects of the draft orders. The Minister will then make a decision about the formal declaration of these 5 renewable energy zones.
In addition to the five zones currently open for consultation, the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan also proposed a Central North Renewable Energy Zone. More information on the consultation for the Central North REZ will be provided in early 2026.
People can find details of the draft renewable energy zone orders and how to provide feedback on the Engage Victoria website.
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